Rangers pitch for Canadians

RANGERS are batting one definite, one highly likely and one doubtful in their quest to attract Canadian imports for next season's Major League Brisbane baseball season.

Club president Ian Luchterhand confirmed yesterday that second baseman Greg Linn from Vancouver was signed and sealed, but there was some doubt over the return of last season's top performers Ryan Crotin and Ryan Balin.

"Too right, the two Ryans made a huge impact for us last season and we want them to come back," Luchterhand said.

"Greg (Linn) is a definite and we are waiting on cofirmation from Crotin, but he looks promising.

"Linn's credentials look good, but you never know until you actually see them.

"Crotin is finishing his teaching degree at the moment and if he can get all his papers in order we have a job lined up for him at one of the local high schools in town.

"He is playing in Germany at the moment and his team is not going too flash, so he should finish his commitments there in October.

"Balin is a bit doubtful, though.

"He is also in Germany, but his team probably won't finish until late November."

Luchterhand said the club had been in contact with Balin and was hopeful rather than confident that something could be worked out with the star pitcher.

"Originally Balin did not look good, but we have been in contact with him again and things are improving.